‘Ram Temple Built, Mini Kumbh Organised’: Saints Upset Over Swami Avimukteshwaranand’s Remarks on CM Yogi

The controversy surrounding the Mauni Amavasya bathing festival at the Prayagraj Magh Mela continues to escalate, with sharp reactions now emerging from the saint community over comments made by Jyotish Peeth Shankaracharya Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati against Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. What began as a protest over administrative arrangements has now taken a broader religious and political turn, drawing in saints’ organisations and public figures.

Swami Avimukteshwaranand had objected strongly to the alleged stopping of his palanquin and the barricading during the Mauni Amavasya Snan, claiming misbehaviour with saints during crowd control measures. While he has remained camped outside his tent in protest, his remarks targeting the Chief Minister have triggered widespread displeasure among prominent saints.

Saints Condemn Remarks on CM

Akhil Bharatiya Akhara Parishad and Mansa Devi Trust President Mahant Ravindra Puri openly criticised the Shankaracharya’s comments, calling them inappropriate and unnecessary. Questioning the logic behind blaming the Chief Minister, Mahant Ravindra Puri said, “Is it the fault of Prime Minister Narendra Modi or Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath that the Ram Temple was built or that a Magh Mela is being organised on a scale similar to a mini Kumbh?”

He clarified that there is no tradition of Shahi Snan (royal bath) during the Magh Mela and emphasized that, given the presence of crores of devotees, administrative restrictions were inevitable. “If there was an objection, it should have been taken up with the government through dialogue,” he said.

‘Ego Should Not Override Tradition’

While refraining from making a direct personal attack on the Shankaracharya, Mahant Ravindra Puri remarked that “excessive ego” was at play. Expressing concern over reports of violence against young ascetics (batuks), he termed it wrong but stressed that the Chief Minister should not be held responsible. He said that only four to five police officials were involved in managing the situation and announced that the Akhara Parishad would write to the Chief Minister seeking an inquiry and appropriate action.

Sharp Reactions from Other Saints

The issue further intensified after Satua Baba issued a stern statement on social media. Addressing Swami Avimukteshwaranand directly, he said that while he had always supported him on matters related to the nation and the Ganga, remarks against a saint from the Gorakshpeeth would not be tolerated. “The saint community understands the language of both prayer beads and weapons,” he warned, underscoring the depth of anger within sections of the religious fraternity.

Pravin Togadia Appeals for Unity

International Hindu Parishad founder Dr Pravin Togadia also weighed in, urging restraint and unity. Speaking in Bhadohi, he said, “If Hindus remain divided, they will suffer.” While admitting that what happened on Mauni Amavasya was unfortunate, he refrained from taking sides and appealed to both Swami Avimukteshwaranand and CM Yogi Adityanath to resolve the issue amicably. He expressed hope that both saints would find a path that strengthens Hindu unity and dignity.

‘Prayagraj’s Sanctity at Stake’

Akhil Bharatiya Akhara Parishad General Secretary Mahant Harigiri expressed concern that the controversy was tarnishing the sanctity of Prayagraj. He said such incidents should not occur and urged all sides to act with restraint to preserve the city’s spiritual dignity.

Political Overtones Emerge

Adding a political dimension to the controversy, Swami Avimukteshwaranand announced that he would now sever ties with the BJP, accusing the party of failing to enact effective cow protection laws. He recalled that he had earlier distanced himself from the Congress and other parties over the same issue. “The public is asking whom to vote for now,” he said, calling upon Sanatani forces to come forward, stating that they would be supported instead.

As the dispute continues to widen, voices within the saint community are increasingly calling for dialogue, cautioning that public confrontations and political statements risk undermining both religious harmony and the age-old dignity of Prayagraj.